Funk

#OnRepeat, Funk, Motown, Movies, Music, Pop, R&B

#OnRepeat: The Spinners’ “The Rubberband Man”

May 4, 2018 No Comments

This week, I’ve had The Spinners’ “The Rubberband Man” #OnRepeat. After seeing the Marvel movie, Avengers: Infinity War, this week, this song (along with the events of the movie) won’t stop playing in myhead.

The Spinners are a vocal group from Detroit, Michigan, that were popular during the 1960s and 70s. The group is commonly associated with R&B, though their music also blends elements of Rock, Pop and Funk music as well and the band continues to perform on tours to this day with only one original member. Some of their most well-known songs are “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” “WorkingMy Way Back to You,” and “Games People Play.”

“The Rubberband Man” was a song written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, and recorded by The Spinners in 1976. The song was originally written for Bell’s son, who was teased at school for being overweight, eventually morphing from a theme of self-love and positivity, to a song about a guy who can make really funky impressive sounds by just using a rubberband. Personally, I still get a message of positivity and general feel-good vibes from the lyrics, even with the song focusing on music-making from a weird little man. The vocal group The Spinners’ smooth sound and vocal phrasing, along with the funky punctuations from the brass section and the strumming of the bass make this song so groovy that you’ll immediately start dancing within the first thirty seconds of listening to it.

Take a listen below:

What do you think? Do you have any favorite songs by The Spinners? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Funk, Gospel, Jazz, Movies, Music, Pop, Rock

#OnRepeat: Keala Settle’s “This is Me (from The Greatest Showman)”

February 4, 2018 No Comments

This week, I’ve had “This is Me” sung by Keala Settle from musical, The Greatest Showman. I must admit that I haven’t seen the actual movie yet, however, after hearing this song along with the rest of the music from the movie musical, I definitely plan on seeing this movie as soon as I can get my hands on it.

The Greatest Showman is a musical based on the story of P.T. Barnum’s life, the creation of his Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the performers who starred in his show. I have been a huge fan of Hugh Jackman since his performance in the film adaptation of Les Miserables, but I was even more impressed with this musical soundtrack because of the pure physicality of the performers for this musical; especially Keala Settle.

Keala Settle is a singer, actor and performer from Hawaii, who has an extensive theatrical career with several awards and nominations. Her voice is a perfect blend of R&B, Pop, Gospel, Soul and Blues influences, both powerful and subtle at the same time. “This Is Me” is an inspirational song told from the perspective of someone who grew up ashamed of themselves, but finally realizing that, despite what others say or think, you need to embrace who you are no matter what. Her vocal inflections and melodic and stylistic phrasing mirror the angst, desperation, defiance, and inner-strength depicted in the lyrics of the song, “This Is Me.” I’m not sure why I haven’t come across Keala’s music or performances before, but I will definitely be on the look out for her music in the future.

Take a listen below:

What do you think? Do you have another favorite song from The Greatest Showman? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Funk, Gospel, Music

#OnRepeat: James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good)”

November 12, 2017 No Comments

I seem to be on a Robin Williams movie streak this week, so James Browns’ “I Got You (I Feel Good)” is #OnRepeat this week. This was the perfect song in the movie, Good Morning Vietnam, to showcase the difference between Williams’ character’s on-air personality and others before him.

James Brown was a singer, songwriter, producer, dancer and arranger from South Carolina who got his start as a Gospel singer who performed lead for the group The Famous Flames, later going off on his own for a very successful solo career. The music he would later produce with his James Brown band, mixing Gospel, Blues, and Jazz, would help to influence the development of Funk music in the late 1960s. He was known for his raspy, yet powerful voice and energetic stage performances. Some of his most well-known songs from throughout his career are “Try Me,” “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine,” and “The Payback.”

“I Got You (I Feel Good)” was recorded as a single by James Brown in 1964 and is one of Brown’s most popular recordings. The lyrics are told from the perspective of someone who is absolutely besides themselves with happiness because they have the one they love. Brown’s use of screams, shouts, and his use of belting, rhythmic feel, and melodic phrasing give the song the iconic energy and soul that is James Brown. I can never help but dance in my seat whenever I hear this song (because I’m usually driving or sitting down for some reason).

Take a listen below:

What do you think? Do you have another James Brown song you love to listen to?